News briefs

Police and the Coastguard were called out south of Kaikoura yesterday after a small aluminium boat broke down off the coast. The boat was drifting near Paia Point, about 18 kilometres south of Kaikoura.

Constable Wendy Bennett said the man on the boat, who was well equipped, managed to paddle back to shore, where he was met by police.

Arrested after fight

A 19-year-old woman was arrested in Blenheim on Wednesday for threatening behaviour and possession of a knife, police say. The unemployed woman was arrested at 11.20pm after a fight in Lucas St. Constable Andrew Holdaway said she was to appear in Blenheim District Court on Monday.

A 24-year-old unemployed man was arrested after the same incident and charged with disorderly behaviour. He was released and given a pre-charge warning.